Social elevators in local government of Penza region (based on a study of administration officials in a city district)

The paper discusses the recruitment of municipal employees into local government and their career advancement by a case study of a district administration in a city district of Penza region. Focus group results help reveal several aspects of local government recruitment. The study involved 20 district officials. The authors reveal that previous government-related employment and support from the head or staff of the organization (protégé-based employment) are the most significant factors that affect local government recruitment in Penza region. The motives to be employed and work as municipal officials are considered. A steady income and the prestige of the profession are the most important factors for them. Respondents highlighted the cases of unfair career development of several employees because of cronyism. The paper notes that such practices distort social elevators and entail professional and career deviations in local government. Recommendations are made to enhance the activities of the authority under review. In particular, it is proposed to monitor personnel policy improvements, transform HR departments, introduce a merit-based recruitment drive, and modernize the educational system of municipal employees.